First Time In The Water
Carougie is a great little boat that has performed better than expected in every way so far. Our first trip out was really a beautiful day as far as we were concerned, even though it was a bit overcast at times we really could not have asked for better weather.
There are still some things left to be done, mostly a few accessories and cosmetic additions and I still need to finish painting inside the fore and aft compartments.
If you ever build your own Carougie, or any other boat with compartments for that matter, then do your self a big favor – paint them thoroughly before you put the top decks in place. I knew better, but I put the decks on anyway, which seemed like a good idea until I tried to paint the interior.
Since she felt pretty stable, I couldn’t resist the urge to see if I could stand up in her. This was taken as I was in the process of standing up, but she passed the test with flying colors, very solid as far as I am concerned, for a narrow beamed small boat.
My wife and my son both seem to think this photo is funny. He thought I was taking a nap, and she thought I was praying that the boat wouldnt sink.
Actually I was just enjoying life, and thinking back over the building process and about how happy I was she turned out so well.
The next few hours were a lot of fun paddling Carougie and just being on the water. It’s a very relaxing way to unwind and just enjoy life. There is nothing like putting a boat you built in the water for the first time – and although it can be described to an extent, you just cant truly appreciate the feeling until you do it yourself – nothing else in this world like it.
